DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding
of Christian beliefs about revelation and Scripture; the triune God; creation
and providence; human beings as the image of God; and the Fall, evil, and sin.
Corollary current issues, such as Latin American trinitarianism, Latino/a
theological anthropology, human beings as male and female, ecology, and the
relationship of Christian tradition to emerging religiosities will be
discussed. On the basis of biblical and socio-historical developments, a
continental Evangelical-Latino/a theology will be articulated in dialogue with
ecumenical and intercultural approaches and traditional spiritualities.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christianity, as experienced and expressed
within the religious geography of Latino/a communities, is multicontextual,
multicultural, economically and socially challenging, in constant growth, and
popular in character. Naturally then a sound biblico-doctrinal formation
informed by traditional and contextual theological views and endowed by a
domestic spirituality are vital for any ministry worker interested in impacting
these communities and their greater contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
a foundational knowledge of the central doctrines of Christianity,
particularly: revelation and Scripture; the Trinity; creation and providence;
the image of God in humanity; the Fall, evil, and sin; (2) an understanding of
the interrelated character of these doctrines as experienced and expressed
within Latino/a religious communities; (3) an acquaintance with an ecumenical
environment disclosing a range of cultural and historical variations informing
a diverse and yet common ground for the practice of these Christian beliefs;
(4) an ability to reflect theologically upon contemporary and controversial
themes, particularly, communal trinitarianism, human sexuality, ecology, and
emerging cultures; (5) an integrated experience where doctrine and spiritual
practices forge a domestic- based spirituality for Latino/a ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. Students
are expected to study beforehand the required readings for the week and take
part in assigned presentations.
REQUIRED READING: